Longtime Los Alamos Representative Jeannette Wallace has been chosen as one of New Mexico’s outstanding women of the year.“I’m quite pleased and very proud of my mother,” Terry Wallace said this morning. “She has dedicated her life to the betterment of this community and I can’t imagine a more deserving person for this wonderful honor.”Community leaders also expressed delight in hearing that Wallace has been named one of the state’s top women.“We always appreciate Jeannette for all that she does for the county and for our neighbors,” said Los Alamos County Administrator Max Baker. “We are very happy she has been selected for this award because it exemplifies everything she does everyday.”Los Alamos Police Chief Wayne Torpy, who chairs the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board of which Wallace is a member, praised her for her dedication to area youth. “In working with Jeannette, I have found her advocacy for youth programs to be outstanding,” Torpy said. “She is one of the best legislators I’ve ever worked with. She represents the people of this district tirelessly and is very worthy of the recognition that comes with receiving such a prestigious award.”Los Alamos Superintendent of Schools James Anderson described Wallace as a “tremendous asset for Los Alamos ... My observation of her in the Legislature is she’s unique in that she is very well respected on both sides of the aisle,” Anderson said. “I am very pleased for her and want to congratulate her on this great honor.”In an interview this morning, Wallace was humble about being selected for the award. She said she felt honored, adding, “It was nice of them to think of me.”Wallace will be recognized for her “exceptional contributions to the community and state” during a special ceremony hosted by the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women and the Governor’s Office May 2 in Albuquerque.She and 20 other 2008 award recipients, chosen by a panel of judges appointed by Gov. Bill Richardson, were judged on their unique community leadership abilities, effectiveness of advocacy for women and their families, and leadership in their careers.“The women nominated for this award are remarkable,” said Commission Executive Director Mary Molina Mescall in a news release. “The judges are always awe-inspired by the talent and dedication of the women.” Included in the evening’s celebration will be a surprise announcement of the 2008 New Mexico Women’s Hall of Fame inductees, selected from among this year’s Governor’s Award recipients.Former First Lady Alice King will receive the Commission’s prestigious 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. She was selected for her high level of achievement throughout her life as an inspiration and role model for all New Mexicans.The event is open to the public. Tickets are $65 per person. Deadline to RSVP is April 29. For reservations contact the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women at 505-222-6600 or 800-432-9168.